TNA Impact Review – July 30, 2026

Greetings and welcome to another review of TNA Impact. Tonight, we start a brand new taping cycle with some big events on the horizon. We are in Philadelphia, PA at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University. We have Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on announce duties. Gia Miller returns for backstage interviews and McKenzie Mitchell tells who is who in the ring (and a special duty that we found out during the live feed.) There is a lot to get to so let’s sit back and get ready to go to the extrreee…I mean get ready for some Impactful Discourse. Shall we? We shall.

(side note: As always, take time to appreciate the efforts of those who contribute to this site but reading and commentating on their contributions. It does mean the world to all of us. And now, our feature presentation.)

Previously on Impact, we get highlights of the TNA World Title Match between Nic Nemeth and K C Navarro. We also get the highlights of Mustafa Ali election for the number one contender for his International Title. Jason Hotch is your elected contender. Ali tried to bully Hotch into talking to Daria Rae that this was all a setup but Hotch listens to Leon Slater and decides to take the title match.

Hey, do you know who is definitely left on the roster? The singer of the theme and is ready for you.

We get exterior shots of Philadelphia and go right into the first match (and get ready to chant)

Tag Team Match: Ricky Sosa and Leon Slater vs. The System (Cedric Alxander and Eddie Edwards with Alisha Edwards in tow.)

Philadelphia feels the “bang..bang/Sosa, Sosa.” Sosa gets a huge pop on his way to ring. Slater follows suit and gets a sizable pop, too. Sosa and Slater dance on the turnbuckles. Until, Alisha reminds us that you can’t beat the System (preceded by the warning buzzer) as the System headed to the ring. IN subtle cheap heat (?) the System are adorned in Pittsburgh Steelers colors. Hannifan also thanks the fans for the highest rated TNA Impact in eight years. Hannifan also talked about the System running down the young talent in TNA last week.

Sosa and Eddie started the match and Edwards got the advantage with an eyerake. However, Sosa dodged a corner charge and hit a full-nelson slam and a senton for a two count. Edwards ran Sosa into the corner and tagged Alexander. Alexnad3er dropped Slater to the floor and then attempted double team on Sosa. It backfired as Sosa dodged both System components and ended dropping both with a moonsault off the top rope.

Slater tagged into and the faces hit a double hip toss and a jumping bodypress got a two count. Slater attempted the 10-punch corner spot but Alexander escaped before the 10^th punch and kicked Slater. Edwards tagged back but Slater escaped Alexander’s grasp and hit a standing hurincanrana to Edwards. NOW, Slater completed the 10-punch corner spot and then got a monkey flip to get Edwards out of the corner.

Slater hit the ropes for a springboard flying back elbow. Sosa tagged during the move. Sosa sent Alexander to the floor and then the faces hit and then hit the ropes and hit a dive over the top rope on the System on opposite sides of the ring. Sosa started to jaw with Alisha but Sosa focus3ed on the action and threw Edwards into the ring and hit a quick vertical suplex for a two count.

Sosa worked on the arm and elbow of Edwards and tagged Slater. Slater leapt of the top rope and dropped an elbow on Edwards’ arm. Sosa tagged and hit a top rope axe handle on Edwards’ arm. Sosa slugged away on Edwards in the corner. Slater tagged and Edwards tried to rally but fell prey to a spinning kick by Slater for a two count. Sosa tagged back into the action and the S&S hit a double elbow smash. Sosa hit a standing splash for another two count. Sosa tried for another suplex but Edwards blocked the attempts. Edwards tried to escape but Sosa turned Edwards around and walloped him with a punch and then a German Suplex. Alexander tried to interfere but was laid out by Sosa for his efforts.

Sosa tried to measure Edwards in the corner but Alisha grabbed Sosa’s leg for the distraction. Eddie tried to take advantage but was met with a back elbow. However, Alexander hit a corner dropkick to stop Sosa and Edwards took advantage and slugged away on Sosa on the mat.

The crowd re-ignited the “bang,bang/Sosa, Sosa” chant but Edwards tagged Alexander and Alexander started kept the System’s momentum with a series of punches and kicks to Sosa for a two count. Alexander eyeraked Sosa and then chopped away before tagging Edwards. Edwards continued to chop away and taunt Sosa. Sosa tried to rally but Edwards met him with a back elbow off the ropes.

Edwards trapped the leg and tagged Alexander. Alexander put the boots to Sosa an d taunted Slater in the corner. A leaping knee drop got another two count. Alexander got Sosa on the ropes and taunted Slater. Whilst the referee was distracted, the Edwards choked and kicked Sosa on the ropes. Edwards tagged back into the ring as the “Sosa” chant re-emerged. The chant worked as Sosa reversed a vertical suplex attempt and turned it into a suplex of his own.

Alexander tagged but Sosa got the hope crawl and the hot tag to Slater, who was a flat on fire. The two attacked the other with Slater hitting a twisting kick off the ropes. Slater mauled Alexander in the corner and hit a running boot in the corner. Slater climbed to the top and hit a flying cross bodypress for at wo count until Edwards interfered with the pin. Edwards also attacked Sosa in the corner.

With the advantage, the System were able to double-team Slater in the corner with an assisted leaping back elbow and body press. However, Slater recovered to drop Edwards with a running boot and then got a two count with a small package on Alexander. Edwards was clotheslined over the top rope but Alexander got a two count from a Michinoku Driver. A “TNA” chant emerged as Alexander taunted the fans. During that moment, Sosa tagged into the match and hit a springboard dropkick. S&S hit an assisted powerslam out of the corner for a two count. Sosa measured Alexander for a running uppercut but Edwards cut him off with a running elbow but Slater dropped Edwards off the ropes. Alexander attacked Slater but Slater evaded the Lumbar Check and NOW Sosa hit the running uppercut and one for Edwards for good measure. Sosa tagged Slater and Slater hit the Swanton 450 from the top rope for the victory.

Post-Match: S&S celebrated in the ring. Slater got a mic and called Alexander a bum. He talked about all the times Alexander escaped with victory in tag matches. Now, he got his revenge in this tag match. Alexander knows the words that will come out of his match – Slater vs. Alexander for the X-Division Title..in a cage match at TNA Lockdown. The System responded with anger and yelled at Slater.

We immediately go backstage to Ali watching the proceedings when John Skyler ran into the shot and said Ali wanted to see him. Ali needed said he needed Skyler to get every member of Order Four here now. Skyler turned and was face to breast with Mila Moore. Skyler turned to Ali and said he had no idea what Ali just said. Ali yelled for him to get out. He told Moore to get all of Order Four for the match tonight – and no one gets involved.

We get a rundown of the card tonight with the Ali vs. Hotch match as our main event and the tag match with demonxbunny vs. the By Elegance Brand but next is quarterfinal action in the TNA Knockouts TV title tournament..after an interview segment with Rae.

She introduced herself and told the Philly crowd to shut up because she’s talking (because she is the S.U.I.T., get it??) She asked if the crowd knew how embarrassing it is to be in this filthy, stinking city? She said the cheesesteaks suck, the crowd sucks and this is the only city that could get LeBron James and still fumble the bag. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, the Hometown Man emerged (adorned in an Allen Iverson jersey.) Rae asked the backstage to cut the music but HTM has something to say. He said he could speak for the city of Philadelphia when he says that Rae should shut her damn mouth (I think there’d be more “f-bombs” but go on…) He asked Rae does she know where they are? It is the USA’s 250^th birthday and they are in the home of the USA – it’s Philly, PA.

Rae told him to get his hot, stinky breath away from her and called HTM a disgusting human being. She asked for security. HTM asked if she ever had a cheesesteak from Angelo’s. He hyped the main event of the night and compared it to Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. He said like Rocky; Hotch will be bringing the gold home (just in the sequel, though?)

Rae said everyone is welcome because she made the match and she is the greatest authority figure in pro wrestling. Oh, and Rocky sucks. HTM defended Philadelphia and touted his Iverson jersey and wished he had a jersey of their newest superstar – LeBron James (still, not there.) Rae asked to play her music and left but HTM had a better idea, to play his music whilst he gives away free merch. And, he did just that as we go to break.

When we return, we go backstage to see the Personal Concierge with the By Elegance Brand. The PC is excited for two reasons: one, he can see. Two, they are going invoke their rematch clause tonight and regain the Knockouts Tag Team Title belts and then go on to win the KO TV title tournament. Then, they will be the Empire of Elegance.

However, Heather had a question. What happened if Heather defeats Mara Sade next week (about that…) and if M keeps advancing in the tournament, the two might face each other. Then what? M agreed and asked the same. The PC reiterated that he could see and they are going to win the tag team titles for the third time. They all walked off screen with M giving the glare to the PC and Heather (hmmmm.)

We go back to ringside and Hannifan and Rehwoldt as the two pay tribute to Rebel and her battle with ALS. The crowd started a “rebel” chant and Hannifan said more can be found out at IAMALS.com. Nicely done. After a moment of quiet we go back to the tournament and the KO TV tournament

Quarterfinal Bout: Thea Hail vs. Indi Hartwell

The NXT star gets a good pop as she hails from Pennsylvania (see what I did there?) Hartwell is next to a pop but not as loud as usual.

Hartwell started the match and backed Hail into the corner. Hail dodged a corner charge and grabbed a headlock. Hail hit the ropes as the combatants blocked hip toss attempts until Hail got a roll up with the leg and attempted her armbar until Hartwell reversed it. A Hartwell shoulderblock sent Hail to the floor but Hail recovered to hit a kick. However, Hartwell block a shoulder block and hit a forearm upper cut and a big boot for a two count.

Hartwell grabbed an armlock but an armdrag broke the hold. Hartwell blocked a back elbow in the corner and attempted the Hurts Donut as Hail desperately tried to block the move. Hail did reverse it with a wheelbarrow arm drag but missed a corner charge as Hartwell hit a clothesline in the corner but Hail blocked a running bulldog and returned with a huge boot in the corner and a leg drop to the shoulder off the second rope.

Hail dropped Hartwell with a kick to the legs and then hit an arm wringer. Hail slowed down the action and continued to worked the arm by ramming it into her shoulder. Hartwell got a quick roll up for two and followed it with a back slide for two. Hail regained the advantage by dropping the arm onto a double knee drop for a two count. The arm work continued for Haill and grabbed an arm bar (paging Chris Jericho.) Hail wrenched on the arm and cinched in the armlock.

Hail started SMALL JOINT MANIPULATION and worked the fingers and landed a knee to the shoulder. Hartwell gain worked the wrist lock and Hartwell tried to escape but Hail continued to thwart the rallies and work the arm. Hartwell finally got some momentum by blocking a kick and throwing Hail to the canvas by that leg. She hit a series of punches (with the good arm( and a series of clotheslines. However, a spinebuster attempted was blocked as Hail attempted to put the Kimura lock on Hartwell.

Hartwell and Hail fought for position until Hartwell rammed Hail into the canvas with a modified spinebuster for a two count. Hartwell tried to get riled and sent Hail to the floor. Hail recovered and hit a top rope flying bodypress. Hail hit a forward roll on Hartwell and got ready to hit her finisher (the bottom rope back splash.) But Hartwell moved and Hail hit nothing but canvas. Hartwell picked up Hail and tried for a powerbomb but Hartwell sold the arm and couldn’t complete the move. Hail hit Hartwell with a back elbow but attempted a wheelbarrow move which Hartwell reversed and threw Hail into the turnbuckle. On the rebound, Hartwell caught Hail and NOW we get the Hurts Donut for the win and semi-final advancement.

Post-Match: Hartwell continued to sell the arm and celebrated in the ring as we get the updated brackets.

We go backstage to A J Francis who is walking with a hat full of money. He wanted to reintroduce himself to members of TNA backstage. He is a humble servant of the congregation and is asking for their compassion to help Expressions. He referenced the attack last week against Elijah. The four people donated some money. Francis counted it and it was $40. He then asked them to get their broke glutes home as he made his way down the corridor to Rich Swann and BDE. BDE asked if Francis put his money into the hat. Swann reminded Francis of his catchphrase “money, money, money.” Francis said he made them so much money they should show a gratuity. BDE and Swann and insulted Francis and walked off shot. Francis looked disgusted, grabbed some money from the hat and put it in his pocket and then walked off shot. The backstage people were laughing at the situation (it was…fairly comical.)

We see another part of the backstage as Navarro enters from another room and is heading to ring to talk about what happened last week…after the break.

During the break we get the new Immersed special on TNAPlus featuring Navarro’s return (with a cameo from Mike Santana.)

We come back and Mitchell introduces Navarro to the crowd and gets a decent pop. Also, there are celebrities afoot as Joe Barra from “Legend of the White Dragon” is ringside. Navarro soaked in the cheers and shook hands with the crowd with two laps around the ring (Shaking hands with Barra in the process.) Navarro seemed genuinely happy and moved by the reaction of the ringside fans. He grabbed the mic and said “Pardon me, but are we blessed to be here in Philadelphia, tonight?” (I mean, sure?? I guess…Beats some places..) A loud “K C” chant emerged.

Philadelphia will always hold a special [lace in his heart. Last week, he fought for the TNA World Heavyweight title (some weisenheimer fan yelled “and lost.” ) He admitted he failed. NO one was harder on him than himself and he felt like he didn’t belong in TNA. He thought about everything he went through in his life – losing his home as a child, losing his uncle recently and all the kids who bullied him. For a moment, he thought they were right.

But then he thought about his journey and all his days on the independent circuit, even here in Philadelphia. He thought about his match in 2019 at One Night Only and was put in the Super X but never got it. Because, he thought he didn’t belong. But he fought and he fought (the weisenheimer fan started to chant “boring.” ) He wanted to be an inspiration to kids including his baby brothers who went to the same high school (who were at ringside.) A loud “K C” chant emerged.

He said the whole locker room hears the chant and now he knows he belongs here in TNA. He said as you climb that mountain there will be friends who turn their back on you and are snakes but one has to keep fighting and not quit. When he thought his story was over – it is actually just beginning.
BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, we hear the System’s theme and Alisha Edwards asks us if we want to know something? (ummm..the capital of Malawi?) Alisha said no one cares about crybaby K C. Brian Myers grabbed the mic and taunted Navarro with baby crying sounds and making fun of the torn ACL he had. He said no one cares. He said he cares and got some crayons and some coloring books in the back and there’s a nice day care section back there. He should head there as “the gatekeepers” have some business to attend.

Alexander addressed Slater’s request for a title shot at Lockdown and the answer is “no;” not today, tomorrow, next week, ever. Eddie Edwards addressed Sosa and Slater and said neither one of them deserve a title shot and neither of them is worthy of a match.

Navarro interrupted with his “pardon me” catchphrase. The last he checked, this is his time, not theirs. He looked at the System and said they all look like a bunch of female dogs. Eddie said he made a big mistake and started to attack Navarro. Navarro evaded the early attack but succumbed to the numbers game as the System mauled Navarro on the mat. BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, Sosa, Slater and Fabian Aichner came to the rescue as the System bailed out of the ring and up the rampway.

We cut backstage to Allie frantically looking for Rosemary in various rooms. She comes across Rae (talking on her phone) and asked if she has seen her. Rae said no but the tag team title match is next. If she doesn’t head out there, she forfeits the title. She didn’t want that and if she has to, she will face the By Elegance Brand by herself. Rae said okay and wished her good luck as she cleared the shot and Allie was getting herself pumped.

Speaking of luck – but bad – it is time for the TNA Injury report, brought to you by Bioflex, Zone.ify, AMC, A-Game Hydration. No one has seen the Righteous since last week’s Righteous Deletion match against the Hardys. As noted earlier, The Personal Concierge can see again (which Hannifin said is the bad thing about the report.) Hotch and Ali are cleared for action (which is good because they are in the main event.) Oh wait, a special report by Rehwoldt, Nic Nemeth is in better than ever shape. NOW, this has been the TNA Injury Report.

We head to the ringside and hear Frankie Kazarian’s music as he makes his way backstage. He said he has been blessed to have a very long career and has been coming to Philly often and is blessed to be back in Pennsylvania. He does wish they were in a real city like Pittsburgh (crowd lustfully booed.) He said it’s not all bad, his favorite Philadelphian wore his color scheme (yellow and black, hey…) it’s Rocky Balboa. Balboa was fictional and the best thing to come from Philly is a real person. He turned his attention to the Phillies but they are in second place and crumbling internally. He addressed the Eagles (the crowd does the Eagles chant) but Kazarian said the NFC East belongs to the Cowboys this year (a Cowboys suck chant emerged.)

He noted the Sixers just signed Lebron. He said by the end of the year, the Sixers will have more flops than anyone in NBA history. He then focused on the fans and said one looked like an unmade bed and called him a mark. He said Hannifan is from Philly. If that is the best you got, we should be all be disgusted. He is Frankie Kazarian and he is done with all of us marks. And, he left.

We come back to Miller with TNA Knockouts world champion Xia Brookside. Miller asked why she attacked Wendy Choo and Elayna Black after their match last week. Brookside insulted Miller’s question (easy now, she has asked worse.) The answer is – because she can. Last week proved what Brookside had been saying: Black is not as good as she thinks she is. And Choo wanted to be the hero and stuck her nose in Brookside’s business. She can’t walk around and say you’re the greatest unless you can back it up.

This brought in Choo. Choo said she wasn’t scheduled to be here this week but came specifically to talk to her. She wanted to tell her face-to-face that Brookside is a coward. Brookside said she is not a coward but a champion. Choo and Brookside started to argue until Santino Marella appeared. Marella was disappointed in Brookside last week and if Choo thinks she can win, then the match is next week. Brookside said it her chance to beat someone who thinks she is special. Next week, she will embarrass her like everyone else. Choo thanked Marella but HOLD EVERYTHING, here is Black. Black said she hopes Choo beats Brookside’s glutes. Brookside told her to shut up and said that first it was Marella and now Black and she is going to leave, which she did. Black talked up Choo and encouraged her.

We get an ad for AMC’s Walking Dead: Dead City and what a surprise, Aimee Garcia is ringside with the fans. We get some hype for our next match:
TNA Knockouts Tag Team Match DemonxBunny (w/out Demon) vs. the By Elegance Brand (with Mr. Elegance and the Personal Concierge in tow)

To Hannifan’s chagrin, the Personal Concierge has the mic. He asked for the attention of the crowd (and nicely twice.) He can see and his vision back but now that he can see the crowd, he wish he couldn’t because they are a bunch of dirty pigs. So, he wants to introduce to something truly beautiful..the By Elegance Brand. The Brand enter first and taunt the fans from ringside. Allie is next and held her title high. Hannifan wondered if the Brand had anything to do with Rosemary’s disappearance.

M and, well, Allie start. Allie tried to attack M and then took a swipe at Heather and even Mr. Elegance but M subdued Allie with a shot to the back. M mauled Allie and put the boots to Allie. Heather tagged and chopped at Allie in the corner. M tagged back and the onslaught continued until the Brand attempted their wheelbarrow tilt-a-whirl splash but Heather got nothing but Allie’s knees.

M checked on Heather and Allie was an asylum on fire as she hit series of clotheslines on the Brand and hit a standard/reverse DDT simultaneously on both of the Brand members. The Personal Concierge got on the apron with one of the tag titles. Allie grabbed the title and started to pull the PC into the ring whilst the PC hooked the ropes with his feet. Allie got PC in the ring and started to rake the eyes. Mr. Elegance got in the ring but Allie hit him with a belt shot off the ropes. Heather got in the ring and Allie struck her with the belt, causing the disqualification.

Post-Match: The same fate was met by M. The whole Brand headed back up the rampway as Allie stood in the ring swinging her title in anger.

We get to here from the Hardys next..after the break. During the live stream, we hear the guitar strum and here is Elijah. Elijah wanted the music cut because he is going to play a song. Elijah started to play (and not to shabby in all actuality.) The crowd started to clap along with the playing. He stopped and then asked who wants to walk with Elijah? He spent a lot of time in Philly as a kid. He wanted to sing a song that we all might know (the crowd started a small “what” chant.) He started to strum and sing the theme to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He lost the crowd but got him back with the end that in TNA we walk this way.

We get an ad for “:30 takedown” featuring 32 of the toughest amateur wrestlers across in the country. It will debut on TNAPlus after Bound For Glory. But now, we get to hear from goats:

The haunting piano music can only mean the Hardys. We get the Matt Hardy 2.0 effect as the chryon tells us Matt thoroughly enjoys cheesesteaks. The Hardys also get new music (at least the start, it fades to the standard theme.) Both Jeff and Matt are adorned in goat masks. When the music changed, they took off the masks and headed to ringside. Matt said it was a wonderful time to be in Philadelphia. Last week, they put an end to their eight-month blood feud with the Righteous. They were deleted. They might be dead (ummm, should we check on that?) Speaking of dead, Matt brings to attention Aimee Garcia is in the crowd (you know, from the previous celebrity shot earlier.)

Matt said they also changed because they emerged from the lake of reincarnation. Jeff said he has changed, he has sobered and he is the anti-christ and is the charismatic enigma, a sober drug addict, a sober alcoholic. Most people are too stupid to understand that but not the Die Hardys. Now, they are going to start kicking some glutes. Now, Matt continued, they are going to stand 10 toes and spit some truth. The word on the street said and the lake said they are the GOATS, so they are the greatest tag team of all-time. The crowd roared in approval. The reason TNA is on AMC is because of the Hardys and TNA runs on Hardy dust. It is appropriate they regained the title in a ladder match because without Jeff Hardy, there would be no ladder match (Scott Hall and Shawn Michaels on lines one and two.) They created the TLC match.

BUT HOLD EVERYTHING, we hear Nic Nemeth’s theme as the Nemeths made their way to ringside. Nic did some gyrations in front of Aimee Garcia who was not amused. Nic grabbed a mic and started to pontificate. He said the Hardys can’t be goats because he is better than both of the Hardys and he has Ryan with him. Ryan grabbed the mic and said his big baaratha is the best pro wrestler in history. And, the Nemeths are the best brothers tag team. Ryan beat Jeff Hardy. Ryan had a big idea, at Lockdown the Hardys should put the titles on the line against the Nemeths. No sooner than Ryan finished his sentence, that Matt agreed. Nic said he can’t wait to have two title in his backpack along with all the cash.

This brought out Santino Marella (to a sizable “Santino” chant.) He asked Philadelphia if they wanted to see the match and the crowd agreed. SO it is official for Lockdown; AND, next week, it will be Nic vs. Jeff and Ryan vs. Matt. Marella went backstage and the Nemeths headed to the floor. Ryan started to accost Garcia and she threw her drink in Ryan’s face. As Ryan tried to recover, he staggered over to Aimee who slapped him. Nic started to yell at her as he brought Ryan up the rampway. The Hardys headed to the floor to celebrate and Garcia was far more amendable to do the Jeff Hardy dance,

A J Francis is still backstage trying to raise money for Expressions. He comes across a referee and she donates $20. Francis complimented her and promptly puts that in his pocket. He comes across the Hometown Man and since we are in his hometown he probably heard about the fund raiser and wondered if wanted to contribute. HTM said he is running up a tab at Gillins (sp?) he is strapped for money and lastly, hates Francis. How can HTM have such hate and hail from the city of Brotherly Love? That’s why LeBron lives in New York and will helicopter to Philadelphia. The HTM and Francis go chin-to-chin. We hear the guitar strum and Elijah told Francis to leave HTM alone,

Francis said if it wasn’t for Elijah’s tombstone, he wouldn’t have to raise money expressions. Elijah went over the events of the match and said it was self-defense. Francis said he has done nothing but disrespect him so why don’t they settle this in a cage in Lockdown. Elijah asked if he wants to walk Elijah one more time but be careful what you wish.

We get the next match in the TNA KO TV title tournament next..after the break.

But first (on the live feed) we get Slater making a return. He greets the Philly crowd and notes how many times he has been in Philly. He can’t wait to come back to feel the Philly energy. This is not cheesy, but Philly fans are the best wrestling fans on the planet. He starts to talk to Mitchell and they are looking for the best fan of the night. Mitchell asked for Slater’s help in looking for the fan of the night. We get the crowd work and points out a fan with a title belt. The fan will get a shot with the International Champion after the match. The crowd booed Ali but gets the fans riled with the thought of Hotch winning the title. He shouts out the crowd and headed backstage.

We head backstage and see Marella and Rae. Marella is proud of the matches he has made for next week and for Lockdown. Rae said she has made some matches of her own. She booked a Knockouts tag match between the By Elegance Brand vs. DemonxBunny (presuming Rosemary can be found.) She dropped the catchphrase and said she has been looking at the roster and need to trim the fat. Marella said he has been doing cardio. Rae said the roster and specifically, Harley Hudson. Marella stuck up for her but Rae pointed out she has not won a match. Marella continued to defend Marella but Rae said she would tell the board that and walked away smiling.

TNA Knockouts TV Title Quarterfinal: Jody Threat vs. Jada Stone

Threat is first and does her usual spastic running around the ring and posed on the turnbuckles. Stone is next and shook hands with the crowd before hitting the ring. Threat got the upper hand by working on the arm. Stone flipped out of the lock and grabbed a headlock. Threat dropped Stone with a shoulderblock off the ropes and got Stone on her shoulders, only for Stone to reverse it into a roll up for a two count. Stone matrix evaded a clothesline and hit a dropkick for a two count.

Stone tried for a handspring backflip move but Threat caught her and slammed her to the mat. Threat hit a series of clotheslines in the corner and hit a wristlock suplex out of the corner. Stone rallied with an enziguri and hit two clotheslined that sent Threat over the ropes and to the apron. However, Threat caught Stone as she dove over the ropes and slammed Stone to the apron for a two count.

Threat continued the attack with a dead lift backbreaker and applied pressure on the back. However, another attempted backbreaker was reversed to a jawbreaker by Stone. Stone tripped a charging Threat and Threat landed in the ropes, in perfect position for Stone to hit a 619. Both wrestlers missed charges into the corner. Stone kicked Threat to the mat and signaled for the split-legged moonsault for a two count. Stone continued to beat on Threat on the mat and called for her finisher, the Spark Stunner. However, Threat grabbed her and hit a pump kick. Threat mauled Stone on the ropes and hit a German Suplex.

Threat signaled for her finisher – the Pop, Shove It. However, Stone elbowed out of it and landed a superkick to Threat. Stone attempted the Spark Stunner (a handspring cutter off the ropes) but Threat caught her. However, Stone escaped again and rolled up Threat for the victory.

Post-Match: Stone celebrated in the ring as Threat acted frustrated. Stone advanced to the Semi-Finals to face the winner of Mara Sade and Heather by Elegance.

We go immediately to Hannifan and Rehwoldt to hype the main event, which is…right now.

TNA International Title: Mustafa Ali (with Order Four in tow) vs. Jason Hotch

Hotch headed to the ring first with Order Four’s original music. Hotch shakes hands with the fans and greets his wife and daughter who are ringside. The music changes and we hear the wails and drums to signify Ali’s entrance. The extra servicemen flank Ali as he headed to ringside and taunts the fans around ringside. Ali scowled and glared at Hotch’s wife and daughter. The Order STRUCK THE POSE and then clear the ring.

Ali and Hotch paced in the ring as we get the prolonged entrance. As the bell rang, Ali grabbed a headlock and dropped Hotch with a shoulderblock off the ropes. Ali badmouthed Hotch. Hotch grabbed a headlock but Ali sent Hotch to the ropes and dropped him with a chop to the chest and more badmouthing occurred. Ali continued to chop away at Hotch. Ali sent Hotch to the ropes and after a series of crisscrosses hit a hurincanrana and then another chop that sent Hotch to the floor. Ali hit the ropes and dove between the ropes to drop Ali.

Ali stormed around the ring and once again glared at Hotch’s family. Hotch stated to rally with a series of chops. Ali tried to throw Hotch into the apron but Hotch reversed it below the ropes and hit a dropkick on the floor. Hotch followed it with a Tornado DDT off the ringpost. Hotch threw Ali into the ring and climbed to the top rope and hit a top rope flying bodypress for a two count.

Ali and Hotch traded chops and punches in the middle of the ring. Hotch charged Ali but Ali backdropped Hotch to the apron. Hotch tried to land an enziguri but Ali blocked it and chopped Hotch to the canvas. Ali made a kiss gesture to Hotch’s wife and hit the ropes. Ali missed a sliding dropkick and went to the floor. Hotch recovered and went to the top of the ringpost to hit a moonsault. A “holy (excrement)” chant emerged followed by a “TNA” chant.

Hotch threw Ali into the ring and hit the rolling neckbreaker through the ropes for a two count. Hotch put the boots to Ali in the corner. However, Ali reversed a whip to the turnbuckles and met Hotch with a dropkick in the corner. Ali chopped away at Hotch but Hotch reversed another whip into a corner and hit Ali with a running big boot in the corner.

The two tried to charge the other in the corner with Ali managing to send Hotch to the mat with a sunset flip powerbomb off the top rope. Ali lifted himself to the top rope but Hotch recovered and leapt to the top rope. Hotch hit the top rope Spanish Fly for a two count. A “This is awesome” chant emerged. Hotch managed to drape his arm across Ali for a two count.

However, Ali hit a stunner on Hotch and then hit a back elbow when Hotch charged Ali in the corner. Ali got Tornado DDT from the top rope for a two count. Ali beat Hotch on the mat and then climbed to the top turnbuckle as Hotch laid prone on the apron as we went to our last break.

When we return, Hotch recovered and met Ali at the top turnbuckle. Ali got the best but Hotch stopped a superplex attempt and hit one of his own to the floor and through a table. All of Order Four checked on both as a very audible “Holy (excrement)” chant emerged. Both combatants laid prone on the mat as the referee started his count. The ringside physician began to check on Hotch. The referee got to eight (very gradually, btw) as Ali dove into the ring. Hotch struggled on the floor but dove as the referee (even more gradually) started to say “10.”

Ali was enraged but Hotch blocked a kick and grabbed the leg. Hotch chopped away at Ali. Ali was sent to the ropes and tried a handspring move but backflipped when Hotch was not there. Hotch hit the ropes and met Ali with a running lariat. Hotch got Ali on his shoulders and hit an odd variation of the tilt-a-whirl backbreaker (with Ali’s back landing on Hotch’s back) for another two-and-a-fraction.

Hotch climbed to the top rope and attempted a frog splash. Ali moved but Hotch rolled out of it. Hotch charged Ali but Ali pulled the referee in front and Hotch hit a leaping forearm that dropped the referee. Ali took advantage by hitting a low blow (the crowd really started to boo.) Ali grabbed the belt on Hotch’s trunks and started to whip Hotch, taking time to yell and stare at Hotch’s wife.

Ali backed into the ropes but Skyler grabbed the belt and started to yell at Ali. Ali shoved Skyler but Skyler got back on the apron. However, Ali moved and a charging Hotch nailed Skyler. Ali rolled up Hotch and put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage. Ali got two-and-a-fraction until Tasha Steelz knocked Ali from the ropes. Moore got into Steelz’ face and the two started to brawl on the floor. Skyler and Agent Zero had to grabbed the women to separate them.

In the ring, Ali and Hotch traded rollups for two counts, until Ali countered another rollup and hit a piledriver. Ali climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit the 450 Splash for..the two-and-a-fraction. Hotch lifted his shoulder and got another quick rollup for two-and-a-fraction. Ali charged Hotch but Hotch moved and Ali did his face first turnbuckle slide spot. Hotch climbed to the top but Ali kicked the ropes and Hotch was crotched on the turnbuckles. Ali grabbed Hotch but Hotch threw Ali to the floor. Ali backdropped and landed on his feet but Hotch leapt and hit the double foot stomp to drop Ali. Hotch went to the top rope and hit the Frog Splash for the win and the International Title.

Post-Match: They panned to Hotch’s wife who was moved to tears and made it to the ring. TNA President Carlos Silva awarded the title to Hotch and the Philly fans threw streamers into the ring to celebrate. Hotch went to his wife and invited them into the ring as we go off air.

Impactful Ruminations:

One: Sometimes, you want a happy ending. One just does. That is what we got in the main event. It was a verrrrrrrrry slow burn but we made it. Even better the happy ending was preceded by a really good story in the ring. Ali showed why he is one the best going today ad really conveyed the arrogance and derision necessary to make it work. And, as someone who I just saw as a good tag guy, Hotch really proved he could go and work a match with a top guy in the industry. The best thing I can say is this: I have watched wrestling longer than most people have walked this earth – I have just about seen it all. If I can still be roped into a match and bite on false finishes, the job of the wrestlers have been accomplished. Nice job.

Two: I don’t what this means for the future. Given the exodus from TNA, I do worry about how long Ali has left in the company. It would be silly not to sign him. It would make a good chase and factor in what Agent Zero could do when he does become a full competitor. Steelz could be someone who could help Moore and really polish her. I do worry about Skyler being sent in limbo but I see some reunion with Hotch down the road.

Three: I got an odd vibe from the Hardys and got a bit of a heelish feel to it. With the Righteous’ future unknown, we are rapidly dwindling in tag teams to challenge. We are getting a rehash of the Nemeths challenge but feel it is a one-off whilst they try to get someone here that would work with the Hardys. I am over the Hardy’s act and want to emphasize this is why you shouldn’t have made the Righteous the Washington Generals to the Hardys’ Harlem Globetrotters.

Four: I am curious if they actually do pull the trigger and make it a By Elegance Final in the Knockouts TV title. I do like that they recognize the talent they have in M by Elegance and that look she gave at the end of their segment had a large element of foreshadowing.

Five: I did like the old-school pacing of the Hartwell vs. Hail match. Hartwell did a great job selling the arm and Hail working the arm was good psychology on her part. I wonder if this is a “last chance” for Hail and she is having some semblance of a Renaissance with her work here and on WWE Evolve.

Six: If the internet is to be believed (hey, hey, no snickering there.) we find ourselves short one face if Mara Sade does leave. That might explain Black leaning toward face. It’s abrupt and wondered how they are going to explain it or just magic hand wave it. Black just seemed stuck in neutral as she was in NXT. They paid for her, so they have to show it off and see what it can do.

Seven: We established a theme in TNA of the youth vs. the “gatekeepers.” They had it with Eric Young until he left and now the System fill the role of the veterans who are “keeping the young wrestlers” down. It’s a tired trope and I think said young wrestlers (Slater, Sosa, Navarro and Aichner) deserve better runs and fates.

Eight: Speaking of Navarro, that was a great promo and big on him to not get caught with the weisenheimer yelling to get himself over and stay on course to get the crowd to rally. But, now what? Feuding with the System is something to do but what happens after that?

Nine: Francis was comedy gold tonight with his backstage fundraising. I really, really don’t need to see him in a match (again) with Elijah. That was settled already and there’s no need to revisit it.

10: I tried to get behind Stone but she still needs a lot of work. Every move has to have superfluous flip and is not connecting with the audience the way she should.

11: I didn’t mind Rae and Marella (I really wish Rae would retire the “shut up, I’m talking” catchphrase) but aside from that, it moved some storylines so it wasn’t there just to have it. I am curious that they have in store for Hudson and if she can be infused with a sense of character and story arc.

12: I am telling you, we’re down to the fourth sponsor for the Injury Report. I think if we pool our resources, the BoD TNA Injury Report could be a reality.

Lastly: The capital of Malawi is Lilongwe (since Alisha didn’t tell us.)

Keep fighting the good fight.